Ask the doctor: Seborrheic keratoses
People sometimes mistake seborrheic keratosis for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, because in both, the growths are dark and have an irregular shape. Smaller, heavily pigmented seborrheic keratoses can, in fact, look a little like melanoma lesions. A dermatologist can usually tell the difference just by looking at them. If there's any doubt, he or she should get a biopsy (a tiny sample from the lesion) for microscopic examination.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.